BJP leader Salaria takes over Gian Sagar management, promises revival

Chandigarh, April 20: BJP leader Swaran Salaria has taken over the management of Gian Sagar Educational and Charitable Trust that runs the beleaguered Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Banur. A decision in this regard was taken at a board of directors meeting held on Monday, sources said.

“I have taken over the management on the condition to clear dues totalling nearly ₹100 crore, including salary of the faculty. Resuming academic activities at the earliest on the campus is the priority,” said Salaria, who is also the chairman of Chintpurni Medical College, Pathankot.

Manish Jakhar, CEO of the Trust, confirmed Salaria’s taking over as a main trustee. “The discussions with Salaria were on for several days and he formally took over the management on Monday,” he said. As per information, six of eight directors in the board have resigned, giving Salaria the freedom to appoint new ones as per his choice.

The move comes in the wake of Punjab government’s decision to cancel essentiality certificates of the medical college, following the management’s inability to clear pending dues totalling Rs 108 crore. The government also plans to shift 1,500 MBBS, dental and nursing students to other medical colleges.

However, the department of medical education and research are unaware of the development. The college was being run by Barinder Bhangoo — the daughter of Nirmal Singh Bhangoo, who is the main accused the Rs 45,000-crore chit-fund scam — and her husband Harsatinder Singh.

Besides non-payment of salary to the staff, the power connection of the college has also been snapped due to non-payment of Rs 2-crore electricity bills. The management has not renewed its annual maintenance contract due to pending liabilities amounting to Rs 18 crore.

Meanwhile, medical education minister Brahm Mohindra feigned ignorance about the new management taking over the college. “The government is only concerned about future of the students. The college management will be asked to explain how it is going to clear dues through a show-cause notice soon,” said Mohindra.